It’s a common problem: You plan to Eat Clean. Then, you go to a restaurant. You open the menu and instantly all discipline and self-control goes out the window. For many, it’s easy to lose focus. Eating out and eating clean are two things that don’t usually go together. But being a Free Athlete, nothing is impossible. You just have to prepare. Research. Remember your goal.
Stick to these 5 tips to enjoy your favourite restaurant and your healthy lifestyle:
Snack before you go
When you’re hungry, you crave. Make impulse decisions. So eat something beforehand. Don’t completely fill yourself up. Just make sure you aren’t “starving” when you open the menu. This way you won’t choose the thing that you crave the most. Try fruit, vegetables or natural peanut butter.
Make protein the main part of your meal
Keep it simple. Choose a dish with protein like chicken, steak or fish as the main ingredient. Along with vegetables or salad. You can’t go wrong.
Learn the lingo
Avoid: deep-fried, pan fried, smothered, bisque, creamy, sticky. These are all mostly likely to be high-calorie or high in sugar. Instead, choose roasted, grilled, steamed, poached, baked or stir-fried. These are much healthier methods of cooking.
Ask questions and make requests
What comes with that? Can I swap fries for vegetables? Is that available as a half portion? Can you hold the mayonnaise? Don’t be afraid to speak up. This is the only way you will get the healthiest version of what you actually want.
Research the restaurant
The best way to ensure you don’t get tempted by anything unhealthy: don’t open the menu in the first place. How do you do this? Look up the restaurant before you go. Check the menu and choose something healthy. Order this straight away before looking at anything else. This way you won’t be distracted or drawn to an unhealthier choice.
When it comes to trying to eat healthy, everyday life will challenge you. But we know that with the right preparation, a strong goal in mind and enough willpower to stay consistent, you will do it.
